merrion street

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan TD, has paid tribute to Irish broadcasting legend, Gay Byrne, who has died aged 85.

He was the father of the nation. He spoke on behalf of the people and the impact he had on Irish society at a time of great social change, was phenomenal”, she said, adding “Ireland is a better place thanks to him. My condolences to his family and friends.  Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam uasal.

A native of Dublin, Gay Byrne had a long and distinguished career in public service broadcasting.  He presented  RTÉ’s The Late Late Show, the world’s longest running chat show, from 1962  for over 35 years, and was host of  his own primetime radio show on RTÉ Radio 1 during the same period.